“Trust Hickok ter know what he’s erbout, Buffler. I’m er-gamblin’ ther’ll be things er-happenin’ ’mong ther redskins ef Hickok don’t git er whack et them thar hosses.”
Cayuse had been following the trail left by the horses as they were led away, and from fifty rods away he shouted:
“Bear Paw go all same rabbit.”
“Which way?” called the scout.
Cayuse pointed to the west.
“That pesky Price an’ ’is pard went that way, too,” suggested Nomad. “Mebbe Hick’ll meet up with ther varmints an’ square ’counts with ’em.”
“I think,” said the scout, “that we had better let the ponies graze for an hour or so and then make back into the cañon and wait for darkness and Hickok.”
“Ye’ve hit ther nail fust time, Buffler. One er two o’ us mought be takin’ er nap right now ergin er time o’ need. I feels et in my bones thet thar’s doin’s er-comin’ our way good an’ plenty.”
“That is good logic, old pard. You and Cayuse go up the gully a short distance and catch a wink while I watch the ponies. I want to study the country for a while this morning, and I’ll take first watch. After the animals are satisfied I’ll lead them in out of the way of prying eyes and take a snooze myself.”
Cayuse objected to Cody’s taking first watch.